PV Sindhu managed to win both the rounds 21-9, 21-16, and has moved on to the knockout stages.
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After the third round of games at the Tokyo Olympics, PV Sindhu has made it to the Last 16. Sindhu dominated the Hong Kong national from the get-go and was able to maintain the easy lead in the first set. PV Sindhu had an easy win against her Hong Kong counterpart Cheung Ngan Yi. She managed to win both the rounds 21-9, 21-16 and has moved on to the knockout stages. Since Sindhu topped her group and is more likely to face Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt next.
In the first game, Sindhu dominated every inch of the court and went on to win it convincingly 21-9. She was quick, and her reach was endless. Cheung, however, came back strongly in the second game and was overpowering the Indian. However, Sindhu regained herself, brought her ‘A’ game to the court in the closing stages of the second game. The 26-year-old Indian went on to win the second 21-16. That second set victory ensures that the Indian moves to the knockout stage. Sindhu has been touted as one of the medal contenders for India at the Tokyo Olympics.
Sindhu is the only female athlete to have qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The disappointment of Saina Nehwal not participating is a big blow for badminton. Before PV Sindhu left for the Tokyo Olympics, she said that there was no added pressure. In a virtual interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India, Sindhu was quick to point out that she would be giving her 100 percent.
“Back then in 2016, it was the first time, it was a different atmosphere. I didn’t know how it was going to be. But playing for the second time, I know how it’s going to be but the expectations are a lot more, the responsibilities are a lot more. But it’s nothing, I am the only female athlete in Indian badminton and nothing like pressure. For me, I want to go out there and give my 100 percent. Obviously, there will be expectations, but I just have to give my best and focus on the job at hand,” Sindhu stated.
There was disappointment that Saina and Srikanth could not qualify, adding that it would have been great for the Indian contingent. “If they had made it, it would have been good for our Indian contingent. There would have been so many players going for the Olympics. But it’s sad that they did not get selected. We didn’t know that we would be in such a situation when it all started. We went into lockdowns, tournaments were cancelled. Even the BAI and the BWF were trying hard to make it happen. But it’s so unfortunate,” Sindhu had said.
